The right side captures San Diego's coastal and urban departure view plus the dramatic Wasatch Range on arrival, giving it more consistent scenic payoff than the left side's mostly open-ocean and flatter valley views.
Flight Path
Mojave Desert basins, the Las Vegas valley and Lake Mead area, and the red-rock plateau country near Zion National Park before descending into the Salt Lake Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting Runway 27 out over San Diego Bay, the aircraft banks right onto its northeast heading toward SLC, swinging the right side toward La Jolla's coastline, Mount Soledad, and the downtown San Diego skyline before the city gives way to the desert interior. The left side mostly shows Point Loma and open ocean receding behind.
Landing at SLC
RIGHTOn the north-south approach into SLC, the right side stays close to the steep, snow-streaked Wasatch Range rising abruptly at the edge of the valley, a dramatic contrast to the flat airport surroundings. The left side mainly shows the Great Salt Lake and flatter Oquirrh foothills further away.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Salt Lake City. The right side captures San Diego's coastal and urban departure view plus the dramatic Wasatch Range on arrival, giving it more consistent scenic payoff than the left side's mostly open-ocean and flatter valley views.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Runway 27 out over San Diego Bay, the aircraft banks right onto its northeast heading toward SLC, swinging the right side toward La Jolla's coastline, Mount Soledad, and the downtown San Diego skyline before the city gives way to the desert interior. The left side mostly shows Point Loma and open ocean receding behind. Notable sights include: La Jolla coastline, Mount Soledad, downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the north-south approach into SLC, the right side stays close to the steep, snow-streaked Wasatch Range rising abruptly at the edge of the valley, a dramatic contrast to the flat airport surroundings. The left side mainly shows the Great Salt Lake and flatter Oquirrh foothills further away. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Mount Olympus, Salt Lake Valley floor, Great Salt Lake (distant left).
How long is the flight from San Diego to Salt Lake City?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes 1h 45m.
What does the San Diego to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert basins, the Las Vegas valley and Lake Mead area, and the red-rock plateau country near Zion National Park before descending into the Salt Lake Valley